Chemist
Resume:
Keith J. Khumalo
**********@*****.***
Objective: Seeking a laboratory or research position with a reputable company in the Food Science, Medical, Pharmaceutical, or Oil and Gas fields.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS • Proficient in developing proper techniques with basic instruments and performing experiments • Excellent communication skills • Strong attention to detail and quality oriented • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously due to organization and problem-solving skills • Demonstrate patience with repeat procedures • Able to adapt to change and easily apply new skills
EQUIPMENT / SKILLS
• GC Headspace Analysis
• Tecan Auto Diluter
• KingFisher Flex
• Bio-Rad Opus 96Dx
• Bio-Rad Maestro
• LIMS software
• Water analysis
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LCMS)
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)
• Mass Spectroscopy (MS)
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy
• Spectrophotometers
• Chromatography
• Mass Spectrometers
• OpenTron
• QuantStudios
• Micro Pipetting
• Specimen Plating
• DNA Extraction
• Assigning QC Items
• QC Analysis/Testing
• Assigning QC to Formulas
• Raw Materials Lot Tracking
• Microsoft Office
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO December 2024 – March 2025 Laboratory Technologist
• Performed trace metal analysis in water samples from public schools using ICP-MS
• Followed EPA and CDPHE-approved testing protocols
• Ensured quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) procedures were met
• Analyzed raw ICP-MS data and validated results
• Maintained organized records of test results for compliance and transparency
• Organized historical and ongoing test data for monthly/quarterly comparisons
• Identified trends in metal contamination in school water systems
• Assisted in generating visualizations (charts, graphs) for reports
• Communicated testing progress to school districts and local health departments
• Provided guidance on remediation if metals exceeded safety thresholds
• Assisted in mercury testing in fish from Colorado lakes using ICP-MS or mercury analyzers
• Helped with sample collection, processing, and data entry for related environmental projects
• Assisted in shipping and receiving water/fish samples for analysis
• Ensured proper chain of custody and sample tracking Neva Diagnostics, Farmers Branch, TX March 2024 – June 2024 Laboratory Technologist
• Performed DNA isolation, RNA extraction, and CR assays in a clinical laboratory setting
• Managed laboratory inventory, including ordering and restocking supplies
• Maintained accurate records of laboratory procedures and results
• Conducted data management and analysis using appropriate software tools
• Ensured compliance with laboratory safety protocols and quality control standards Keurig Dr Pepper, Frisco, TX
Analytical Chemistry R&D Technician I July 2022 – January 2024
• Operated, maintained, and troubleshot GC-MS and HPLC systems for food and beverage analysis
• Performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds using GC-MS such as flavor compounds, additives, preservatives, pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and contaminants
• Performed water analysis using LCMS/ GC/ ICP-MS
• Performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds using HPLC such as vitamins, amino acids, sugars, organic acids, artificial sweeteners, dyes, and polyphenols
• Conducted sample preparation techniques like extraction, derivatization, filtration and dilution
• Developed and optimized analytical methods for new and existing products, validated methods in accordance with ISO, FDA, AOAC, or other regulatory guidelines, and ensured compliance with GMP, GLP, and food safety standards
• Analyzed and interpreted chromatographic data using software (e.g., ChemStation and Empower).
• Prepared detailed reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions and maintained accurate records and documentation for audits
• Monitored instrument performance through calibration and routine maintenance, participated in proficiency testing and lab accreditation processes, and troubleshot analytical discrepancies and implemented corrective actions
• Worked with cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality Assurance, Production) to support product development and troubleshooting
• Stayed updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in **GC-MS/HPLC techniques.
• Ensured that procedures and reports related to laboratory work are completed in a timely manner, accurate, and filed correctly
• Documented all analysis and testing completed for R&D and New Product Development projects working closely with the engineers and scientists
• Quantitated and qualitated new formulations and ensured they were safe for consumption
• Managed requirements for laboratory equipment and testing, maintained a clean and safe lab working environment, ensured that the laboratory is efficient and meets delivery schedules, ensured prompt and satisfactory customer service, performed continuous improvement, and worked with other team members through all Company and laboratory safety regulations
White Label Covid Labs, Dallas, TX
Medical PCR Technician October 2021 – April 2022
• Operated and maintained QuantStudios 5, 7, and 12
• Performed DNA extraction using OpenTron DNA Extraction Workstation and logged result files
• Performed, documented, and scheduled lab equipment maintenance
• Updated sample tracking forms to reflect the status of each sample throughout the testing process
• Documented sample storage and disposal
• Assisted with maintaining adequate inventory of laboratory supplies
• Communicated regularly with lab manager regarding testing updates and/ or any lab issues
• Used critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to solve any issues with laboratory instruments and interacted with vendors and technical support to troubleshoot issues regarding laboratory instruments when necessary
• Conducted and documented experiments and upkeep of records in compliance with laboratory SOPs
• Adhered to all guidelines outlined by CLIA/ COLA and assisted with laboratory SOP updates and modifications
• Maintained a safe, organized, and clean lab work environment Pinnacle Oil, Indianapolis, IN
Laboratory Technician II January 2020 – September 2021
• QC testing, maintaining QC Lab Records and Lab Housekeeping
• Testing Raw Materials, Blend Samples, Line flush Samples and Bulk Truck Samples
• Data entry of sample test results, filling out and issuing and/or filing appropriate paperwork
• Responsible for general maintenance and calibrating instrumentation
• Logging in Used Oil Information as samples arrive
• Performing appropriate testing analysis
• Data Entry of test results using LIMS software
• Submitting Oil Analysis Report to Customer
• Responsible for keeping the lab clean and making work environment safe
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo
• Knowledge of uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Using scientific rules and methods to problem solve
• Other Assigned projects
• Assist with training new lab technicians
Archer Daniels Midland Milling, Beech Grove, IN May 2019 – November 2019 Laboratory Technician
• Assisting the Laboratory manager in conducting quality control experiments
• Quality testing for corn milling
• NIR and pH testing
• Detailed documentation of laboratory results
• Vomitoxin testing of the corn ensuring no fungal growth is present
• Viscosity analysis
BSU Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program, Muncie, IN May 2019 to August 2019
• Learning the process of real scientific research
• Analysis of insects and their habitats in the surrounding areas of Muncie
• Exploring scientific questions by working in a research group alongside other student researchers under the skilled guidance of a faculty research mentor
• Gaining high-end technical lab skills typically unavailable in standard lab courses
• Developing critical experience in operating sophisticated scientific instrumentation
• Learning how to present scientific discoveries (research) both to our peers in the program and to the larger scientific community
• Working side-by-side with one or more departmental faculty on an ongoing original research project Ball State University, Muncie, IN August 2017 to May 2019 Chemistry Laboratory Assistant
• Assisted chemistry professors with two Analytical Chemistry classes totaling 20 students
• Facilitated laboratory experiments for students including the demonstration of proper instrument techniques resulting in greater understanding of material by the students and attainment of accurate results
• Led Oxidant Research Team charged with analysis of vertical distribution of speciated hydrocarbons and radiosonde measurement of atmospheric conditions
EDUCATION
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
• Bachelor of General Studies Graduated May 2019
• Concentration in Biochemistry
• Minor in Biology
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Sigma Chi Recruitment Committee and Philanthropy Committee Aug 2017 to May 2019 References available on request
Contact this candidate